Fishing Report

Late October on the MO

It has been another week of unseasonably warm weather with an abundance of sunshine and daytime highs hovering in the low to mid 70’s.

Nice weather for a boat ride but not exactly optimal conditions by fall fishing standards.

What are those optimal conditions? Check out tomorrow’s forecast.

RAIN before 1 pm, then rain and snow. Temperature falling to around 35 by 4 PM. Light northwest wind becoming north 15-20 mph in the morning. Winds could gust as high as 28 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100 %. New snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible. More of the same for Friday night and nothing over 50 degrees for daytime highs next week.

Definitely not optimal weather for an autumn pleasure float, especially with the north winds, but if you’re looking for quintessential late fall fishing conditions, this would be them.

Gusty north winds will be the wildcard but the rest of that forecast SCREAMS BWO’s! Fingers crossed!

Even if the bugs don’t happen, the odds are that fishing will be solid so wader up, bundle up and get out there.

Expect the nymphing to remain your go-to numbers option with Tailwater Sows STILL leading the charge. We sold through 40 dozen #16’s in a week and a half if that tells you anything. The restock happened yesterday and they are still the hot ticket so get em’ while you can. Pill Poppers are also starting to come on strong, and it should come as no surprise that we sold through our stock on #16 Pill Poppers as well but not to worry, we should have more by tomorrow.

Should you want to stray from the sow game BWO nymphs have been good with grey Little Green Machines, Split Case BWO’s, and Olive Psycho Mays all getting eaten on occasion and you can’t go wrong with black Zebras or October Caddis nymphs.

Streamer fishing has been decent though those not accustomed to the Missouri in the fall are finding the weeds to be a challenge which they certainly can be. Choose your water carefully. There is plenty of clean water, you just need to hunt for it.

Sparkle Minnows, Skiddish Smolt, Space Invaders and Lil Kims have been good, and fish are definitely being caught on buggers, Thin Mints, Balanced Leeches and the like. Fish what you like with confidence, and you should do simply fine.

Just a reminder, if you are looking for a new streamer stick (or any rod for that matter) or new reel or waders or boots you won’t find better deals this season than what you’ll find now at WCA.

Despite the change in the weather we’ve all been waiting for it is in fact late October and things are rapidly winding down in the canyon.

Izaaks has closed for the season leaving Lazy I your Go-To for food from here on out. We are hosting our last big group of the season this week and will be closing a good portion of our lodging early next week. Motel rooms and cabins will soon be out of commission for the season, but we will have bungalows available all winter long at discounted rates starting November 1st.

Guides have disappeared in large part, moving on to winter work or winter escapes but there are still a few around so there is still a good chance we can get you on the water. Request your trip here and we will see what we can do.

It has been another great season on the MO and we are so thankful to all of you who make it possible for us to live this dream by doing business with us. To all of you who fish with us, stay with us, shop with us or all of the above…we can’t thank you enough for continuing to support Wolf Creek Angler and we cannot wait to see you again in 2027.

And for those still fishing this fall, the shop will continue to be open daily at 8 AM for the time being and we’ll do our best to continue to provide shuttle service for as long as we can though our staff is continuing to dwindle and will soon be down to a staff of one as winter settles in.

By Jason Orzechowski|2026-10-22T11:13:44-06:00October 22nd, 2026|Categories: Fishing Report, Shop Life|Tags: Missouri River, October Caddis, pill popper, running line, Streamer Fishing, streamers, Tailwater Sow, winter, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|Comments Off

Autumn is a magical time on the Missouri – photo by Wolf Creek Angler

I’m sure we’ll see more days with temperatures in the 80’s before summer is said and done but if you’ve been out on the MO this week, especially in the mornings, I’m sure you’ve noticed a decidedly fall feeling in the air.

Highs in the 70’s, overnight lows in the 40’s and 50’s and intermittent rain showers coming and going more days than not…feels like fall to me!

The leaves are starting to change. Shorter days and longer nights are ushering in cooler water temps and while the angling traffic remains light, the fishing is heating up.

Nymphing with Zebras and Sows will get your ticket punched at the dam but whether you’re up there or further down, don’t be afraid to mix it up with Pheasant Tails, Little Green Machines, Psycho Mays, Peep Shows, Magic Fly BWO, Split Case BWOs or even an October Caddis nymph.

Cray Fish will continue to be on the menu for the next while. Most are opting for larger Zirdles (#6’s and #8’s) in tan or natural but we also like the old classics, Claw R Crays, Snapping Crays…these used to be the ticket before the Zirdle took over as the Crayfish of choice but should not be overlooked.

The hopper bite? Meh! Pretty typical MO River hopper season. You’re bound to get some eats but its generally not lights out. Drop a Green Machine or Pheasant Tail or trail an ant to increase your odds. And if Big Drys are your preference it is never a bad idea to give the October Caddis once fall fishing is underway.

The calls have started about BWO’s. No BWO’s in September. It has become a late October/early November thing but we’ll let you know the moment it happens!

The other question is spoken in my love language. How about STREAMERS?

YES! Spring and Fall are STREAMER TIME on the MO and while it is still on the early side, these next 8 weeks offer you a great shot at that Missouri River Brown of a lifetime.

Weeds will present a challenge throughout the fall campaign, but you can work through it. Choose your water wisely and prepare mentally for what’s ahead. Whether you are nymphing or dry fly fishing or streamer fishing you NEED CLEAN BUGS. Do not get lazy about that. Check them on every cast and make certain they are clean. It is MANDATORY.

Stop by the shop and we will get you lined out with the best Missouri River bugs and clue you in on our preferred set ups.

Maybe it’s time for a new streamer line or maybe even time for a whole new setup. We’ve got em’ and with winter on the horizon, we want to move them so while we haven’t yet officially announced our Annual Fall Rod and Reel Sale (coming soon) we are open to negotiation and we have been known to wheel and deal as the days grow short.

Shop hours are 7 AM – 5 PM daily.

By Jason Orzechowski|2026-09-03T15:27:14-06:00September 3rd, 2026|Categories: Fishing Report, Shop Life|Tags: brown trout, caddis, dry fly fishing, fly fishing, green machine, Missouri River, running line, Streamer Fishing, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler, zebra midges|Comments Off

photo by Sam Casne

There’s still about a month of summer remaining according to the calendar but that’s a mere formality. In our world, summer has all but ended and the sun is rapidly setting on the 2026 Missouri River summer season.

As happens this time of year, angling traffic has ground almost to a halt with rec floaters outnumbering drift boats three to one. There are a handful of guide trips still happening but many of us take advantage of the end of summer slowdown to unplug and unwind and prepare for the upcoming fall season which typically starts to kick in around the second week of September.

Half of the WCA crew have left for the season with school back in session. Couple this with the lull in lodging and it makes for some lonely days around the fly shop, so you’ll have to excuse us if we happen to abbreviate our hours on occasion over these next two weeks.

We bid a sad farewell to our awesome summer help Rudy and Sophie last week. Summer was a blast with these two!

It’s an interesting time of year on the Missouri, and one which is often overlooked by anglers so don’t tell anyone, but late August/early September are the sleeper of the season.
Granted, there are challenges that come with late summer fishing on the Missouri. Weeds are at their worst. Major bug hatches ware waning. Water temperatures can be marginal, and the combination of hot days and smoke can sometimes make for less than ideal conditions on the water.

But on the positive side…angling pressure is almost non-existent and between terrestrial fishing and nymphing you can often have banner days on the MO in late summer.

The zebra midge and sow bug feast is on in the grass flats below the dam, and we often catch some of our best brown trout of the season on hoppers or crayfish.
Bottom line – don’t sleep on late summer on the MO!

We’re currently looking at flows of 3490 CFS with water temperatures at the dam ranging from 63 – 66 degrees. Again, the weeds are a challenge, but overall, the conditions aren’t bad and the payoff can be great.

Small hoppers in tan, peach or yellow have been good (More or Less, Donkey Kong, Fancy Pants) and ants always seem to get a look or two. Drop a green machine or pheasant tail and hit the banks and the edges of the weed beds and the riffles.

Double sows or double zebras at the dam or try a Zirdle or Claws R with a purple weight fly, Tung Dart or October Caddis nymph.

They’ll eat the streamer this time of year, but this is where the weeds are going to challenge you the most. You must mentally prepare for streamer fishing the height of the weed season but again, if you can put up with the misery you could very well be rewarded with your fish of the year.

Need a room? We have an abundance of vacancies at the moment along with wide open availability for rental boats. Last-minute guided trips are still somewhat of a challenge with the aforementioned exodus currently ongoing, but we’ll do our best to get you on the water.

Shop hours are 7 AM – ???, usually 4 ish for the time being. We’ll resume normal hours as soon as traffic warrants it.

Stop by WCA for shuttles, hoppers, ice, sunscreen and anything you might need for your day on the MO. And tell your rec floater friends who don’t fish to stop driving multiple rigs to the river and stop by for the Cheapest Dam Shuttles on the MO! I guarantee you, at the current fuel prices it’s cheaper to buy a shuttle than drive that second rig.

Just something to keep in mind, with the light traffic we’ve been starting our shuttle runs around 11 AM and are typically wrapping up by 1 PM so that shuttle window is narrow at the moment. If you’re rolling in at 1 or 2 pm for your float we’re very likely done with shuttles for the day, so you’ll want to call ahead if you’re planning on getting shuttled anytime after noon.

By Jason Orzechowski|2026-08-25T10:06:17-06:00August 25th, 2026|Categories: Fishing Report|Tags: brown trout, dry fly fishing, fly fishing, green machine, Missouri River, running line, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|Comments Off

Summertime on the Missouri River

As we head into the final week of July, things have definitely taken a turn on the Missouri. Summer has arrived in full force, with daytime highs pushing 100 degrees over the next ten days and overnight lows only dipping into the 60s. While those cooler nights help, we’ve officially entered the dog days of summer—a time when trout fishing requires a different approach and, on some afternoons, the best decision may be to call it a day.

The biggest adjustment is a simple one: fish early. Morning temperatures have been pleasant, generally in the upper 50s to low 60s, and water temperatures are at their lowest. That makes it the best window for both anglers and trout.

By midday, the river is a different place. Leave the afternoon to the floaters and give the fish the opportunity to settle into the coolest water they can find. Water temperatures at Holter Dam have been running 65–67 degrees, with temperatures climbing steadily the farther downstream you travel. Those aren’t ideal conditions, so if you’re fishing, handle every fish with care and think seriously about wrapping things up once the water begins to warm.

Many Montana rivers are already under Hoot Owl Restrictions, with fishing closed from 2:00 p.m. until midnight. Those closures are based on science, typically taking effect after water temperatures exceed 73 degrees for three consecutive days. The Missouri has historically avoided Hoot Owl restrictions thanks to cold releases from Holter Dam, but with lower flows and prolonged heat, it’s certainly something we’re watching closely.

At Wolf Creek Angler, we’ve always taken a more conservative approach. Regardless of whether Hoot Owl restrictions are in place, we stop fishing once water temperatures reach 68–70 degrees. We’d rather leave a few fish uncaught today than compromise the quality of the fishery tomorrow.

If you’re heading out on your own, there are a few simple things you can do to help protect this incredible resource.

Fish the mornings. Even if Hoot Owl restrictions haven’t been implemented, the best fishing—and the healthiest conditions for trout—are almost always during the cooler hours. You’ll often find lighter boat traffic, better dry fly opportunities, and fish that recover much more quickly after release.

Carry a stream thermometer. They’re inexpensive, easy to use, and one of the most valuable tools you can have this time of year. Check the temperature frequently, especially as the day warms. When you see 68 degrees or higher, it’s time to call it.

Keep fish in the water. Every trout experiences some level of stress during the fight. Warm water only amplifies that stress. If you’d like a photo, keep it quick and, whenever possible, keep the fish submerged. A memorable picture is great, but a healthy fish swimming away is even better.

We’ll be watching conditions closely as we close out July and begin looking toward fall. If you have a trip scheduled with Wolf Creek Angler over the next couple of weeks, plan on early starts and expect us to end the day once water temperatures approach 68 degrees, whether or not official restrictions are in place.

We know these conversations aren’t nearly as exciting as talking about bugs, rising fish, or the next great hatch, but taking a thoughtful approach during the hottest weeks of the year is one of the best ways we can ensure the Missouri continues to fish the way we all love for years to come.

Current FWP Restrictions and Closures

By Jason Orzechowski|2026-07-24T13:29:24-06:00July 24th, 2026|Categories: Fishing Report, Shop Life|Tags: fly fishing, Hoot Owl Closures, Missouri River, Montana, running line, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|Comments Off

Summer Days on the Missouri

And just like that…. summer is here!

Sunday is the Summer Solstice (and also Father’s Day by the way), marking the longest day of the year.

Next week we begin the long march towards darkness so while you’re feeling those fishy summer vibes know that winter is on the way. Praying for a good one!

We’re expecting a busy weekend on the MO with Father’s Day and a pleasant summer forecast on tap. Highs in the mid 70’s today and near 80 tomorrow with partly sunny skies and moderate SW winds at 10-15 mph.

Cooler temps on Sunday and Monday with highs near 70 and warming mid-week, back into the 80’s. All in all, the weather we’ve had these last few weeks is just what we’ve needed as we look towards the challenges of low flows and summer heat.

Fishing has been good but challenging, as it should be. PMD and Caddis nymphs along with sows and pheasant tails have been getting the job done with fish holding in the faster, medium to shallow depths. Deep rigs are still effective though short leashing the shallow flats or even running a dry/dropper rig has been good and should continue to produce.

Of course this is supposed to be Prime Time for DFO’s on the Missouri, and while there are certainly plenty of fish being caught, the overall sentiment is that the dry fly fishing has been challenging more often than not.

Our PMD’s arrived weeks early and stalled out with colder weather. It’s unclear how the remainder of the PMD window will play out. There are bugs daily but the hatches have lacked consistency. The fish are spooky. The cast is critical! We’re holding out hope for some great PMD days still ahead and caddis fishing should only get better as we move into summer.

Traffic is seemingly at all-time highs with crowds of wade anglers at most of the prime spots and no shortage of boats in any given stretch on any given day. Couple high traffic with low flows and you get spooky fish. Toss in some hot summer weather and the resulting bump in recreational floaters and you’ve got a busy MO ripe for conflict. We urge all river users to play nice and to COEXIST!

We’re in full tilt mode for the next 4 weeks. Rooms are booked solid, rental boats all booked daily, shuttles cranking, guide availability non-existent…. we are indeed making the proverbial hay while the sun is shining knowing that the march to winter darkness is underway.

Open daily at 7 AM or earlier for all of your Missouri River Fly fishing needs.

By Jason Orzechowski|2026-06-19T11:54:49-06:00June 19th, 2026|Categories: Fishing Report, Shop Life|Tags: caddis, dry fly fishing, fly fishing, Missouri River, running line, summer solstice, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|Comments Off

Early June Update

We were treated to some unseasonably cool weather and plenty of rain to close out May and kick off our busiest month of the year.

Four days into June and so far it’s been below average temperatures with scattered rain showers each day and with the exception of tomorrow which looks to be on the warmer side with a high near 80, the trend will continue at least for the next week with highs in the 50’s and 60’s much of next week and a good chance for more precipitation towards the end of next week.

What looked like low flows and an early arrival for summer has given way to more spring-like conditions with many of our local waters bumping considerably with the rain, so much so that even the Dearborn River which we were almost certain would be a no-go again this year bumped to over 500 CFS and has folks scrambling to get a float in before the water disappears. It’s down to 488 CFS as of this writing and will continue to drop so don’t put it off for too long. Yes we are doing Dearborn shuttles but call ahead as we are trying to schedule just one or two runs a day and we will only do them if we have two or more.

The steady MO bumped over 3500 and is now on the drop, currently at 3400 CFS with the tribs adding some volume as you move downstream. Little Prickly Pear didn’t see much of a bump but the Dearborn set up a good mud line a couple of days ago and the worm bite has been good.

The bump in flows around the region has brought some traffic back this way but that will likely dissipate as we head into next week with most everything starting to come back into shape.

And it’s a good thing because June is the start of our Prime Time. Not the everyone go to the MO because everything else is blown transient Prime but the, annual pilgrimage to the Missouri Dry Fly Mecca Prime. Folks arriving this week will be surprised to find out that the PMD hatch is well -underway, a few weeks ahead of schedule, but don’t despair. The return of cooler, wetter weather has us optimistic that the early start may not mean an early end, just bonus time on the front side.

Caddis are back on the menu and early terrestrial fishing has been effective on the right day.

We’ve been a little skinny on our PMD patterns as we asked for normal PMD time delivery but we’ve now got the bins fully stocked and ready.

Hi Vis Spinners, Hatchbacks, CDC Emergers, Flash Cripples, Film Critics, Last Chance Cripples, Sprouts and many more along with a great selection of Rusty Spinners and Buzzballs to satisfy your PMD needs and piles of Cornfed Caddis, Double Duck Caddis, Stockingfoot Caddis and your favorite Elkhair classics. It’s been busy on the Dry Fly Side of the bins this week and will remain so from here on out.

Those still chasing bobbers and plying the depths are finding plenty of fish still happy to oblige. Worms, Sows, Split Case PMD’s, Two Hot PMD, PMD Magic Fly, Redemption, Gold Lighting Bug, Little Green Machine, Doc’s Summer Bug, Purple Weight Fly, Tung Darts, UV Czech Caddis, Blow Torch, Pheasant Tails and on and on.

Often overlooked, WCA has a fly selection equal to or more expansive than any of the other shops on the MO. Give us a look, we know you’ll be back once you do. After all, we do have the largest selection of Missouri River flies ever assembled under one roof in Wolf Creek Montana.

Our spring wader sale has come and gone, thank you to all who purchased new boots and waders from us. The sale might be over but wader season appears to be extended this year so keep us in mind if you’re looking for a new pair of Simms Waders or boots.

The shop is open from 7 AM to 5 PM daily for shuttles, bugs, ice, micro swivels, lines, leaders, Smith and Suncloud sunglasses, tools and accessories from Fishpond and Dr Slick, Buff and Simms sun protection, Sage rods and reels, Trxstle rod racks and so much more.

We are your Missouri River one stop fly fishing headquarters, closer to Holter Dam and the Wolf Creek Bridge than any other shop.

By Jason Orzechowski|2026-06-04T14:18:06-06:00June 4th, 2026|Categories: Fishing Report|Tags: caddis, dry fly fishing, Fishpond, fly fishing, green machine, Holter Dam, Missouri River, running line, simms, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|Comments Off

Mid-May on the MO

Halfway through May and the BLUR is on!

With rivers on the west side blown it’s been a busy week on the MO with a variety of weather conditions and what can only be called a mixed bag on the fishing and bug front.

We saw quite a Mother’s Day Caddis Event last week but that’s come and gone for the most part as has the BWO fishing. Midges continue to be a consistent option and the rumors are true…PMD’s have begun, weeks ahead of schedule.

Summer-like weather has had the river feeling more like July than mid-May but yesterday’s highs in the 80’s have been replaced by much more seasonal 50’s and 60’s and it looks like we’ll hold where we’re at for a while and even see some 30’s and 40’s on Sunday and Monday with a few snow showers possible before we climb back into the 60’s and 70’s next week.

The shuttle business has been booming with this week being our busiest of the season by far. We’ve seen a bit of a lull in lodging this week but that changes this weekend as we fill up and vacancies become scarce from here on out. We have had some cancellations here and there so please give us a call if you need lodging anytime over the next couple of weeks. We might just be able to help you out.

Nymphing has continued to produce with Tailwater sows and baetis nymphs still the go to’s but it’s definitely time to work some PMD nymphs into your offerings. Frenchies, PT Green Machines, Redemptions, Magic Flies, Gold Lighting Bugs, PMD Psycho Mays, PMD Perdigons and more. You might also swap out that Pill Popper lead fly for a Blow Torch, Tung Dart, Weight Fly or other Caddis offering.

Low light streamer fishing has continued to be a viable option with plenty of big-shouldered browns still on the hunt. Sparkle Minnows, Skiddish Smolt , Micro Dungeons and Space Invaders all good options.

Creek opener this Saturday….NOW you can fish the Little Prickly Pear! Unfortunately it’s been getting fished plenty this spring so it’s not exactly untouched water but it’s always nice to be back on the small water.

Shop Hours are 7 AM – 5 PM Daily and you’ve still got a week left to take advantage of our Spring Wader and Boot Sale. 20% off all waders and boots.

Make us your first and only stop on your way to the MO for the Cheapest Dam Shuttles on the MO and the largest selection of Missouri River bugs ever assembled under one roof in Wolf Creek Montana. We’re confident that once you give WCA a try you’ll see no reason to go anywhere else.

We are proud to be your one stop Missouri River Fly Fishing destination.

By Jason Orzechowski|2026-05-14T13:21:10-06:00May 14th, 2026|Categories: Fishing Report, Shop Life|Tags: brown trout, caddis, dry fly fishing, fly fishing, green machine, Missouri River, Montana, running line, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|Comments Off

Missouri River Mother’s Day

Just over a week into the month of May and things are busy as ever on the MO.

Some mornings it’s already been feeling like June with a steady stream of traffic in and out of the shop from doors open to around 11 AM.

Lodging is off and on with a full house some nights and a ghost town on others but usually somewhere in between.

Shuttles have been hard to plan for with a handful one day and hitting max capacity the next and while spring usually means a bunch of shuttles at the dam, traffic has been moving around a lot.

One day it feels like we’ve already entered the grind phase of the season, the next might be crickets or close to it.

Such is springtime on the MO.

As indicated by the movement of guide trip traffic, fishing has been solid river-wide with good nymphing most anywhere you go and localized dry fly opportunities ranging from waning BWO events to the old standby midge fishing and most recently loads of Caddis, particularly in the canyon stretch and a few March Browns in the mix making things interesting. More of this please!

Streamer fishing continues to be worth your time though I wouldn’t say this has ranked as one of our better spring streamer seasons. There have been some great browns chasing the streamer and some nice fish landed, but overall, I’d rate the streamer fishing a solid Meh…and that’s coming from someone who lives for this time of year as it relates to said streamers, so it pains me to say it.

You’ve heard it already and you will hear it again but for all sorts of reasons we need some water on the MO (and most every other river in the state of Montana). It doesn’t look like it’s going to happen this year, and we’ll be fine, but as we look beyond the current season, I for one have already added a daily appeal to the higher power for a real winter and an abundance of water in 2027 so if we see high water next year you’ll know why!

Just a few days left for our Mother’s Day Wader and Boot Sale which ends on Sunday. Forty percent OFF ALL WOMEN’S WADERS AND WADING BOOTS! This is in conjunction with our Spring Wader and Boot Sale running through Memorial Day with all waders and boots 20 percent off.

If you’re spending Mother’s Day on the MO stop by the shop for bugs and shuttles and pick up some new waders and boots for mom at the best prices you’ll see in 2026.

Springtime is in Full Bloom, and it looks like a gorgeous weekend ahead with sunny skies and temps in the 70’s tomorrow and Saturday. We will hit 80 on Mother’s Day with more of the same on tap for next week. Highs in the 70’s, overnight lows in the 40 and plenty of sunshine. It doesn’t get much better!

New Shop Hours starting Monday, May 11th. 7 AM – 5 PM Daily.

By Jason Orzechowski|2026-05-07T12:08:55-06:00May 7th, 2026|Categories: Fishing Report, Shop Life|Tags: brown trout, caddis, dry fly fishing, fly fishing, March Browns, Missouri River, Montana, Mother's Day, running line, spring fishing, Streamer Fishing, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|Comments Off

Spring Fishing at its Finest – photo by Luke Koerten

Early last week it seemed as though summer-like weather was settling in. Bluebird days with temperatures in the 80’s and landscapes of green all around had things feeling much more like early June than the end of April.

But right on cue, Mother Nature did her thing and just like that winter returned. Starting last Thursday those highs in the 80’s we saw earlier in the week were replaced by temps struggling to reach 40 and plunging into the 20’s overnight. Snow has been falling off and on all weekend and while the conditions were a disappointment to some who happened to have guide trips booked for this time, this weather pattern is exactly what we need, pumping the brakes on spring.

Warmer weather on tap for the coming week with highs back in the 50’s and 60’s and overnight lows in the 30’s and 40’s. These are much more seasonable conditions which will prolong spring fishing for the time being.

Prior to the change in the weather, fishing had been heating up with some good BWO action in the canyon and good nymphing all around. The streamer bite had been on the slow side, more miss than hit, but with enough action to keep things interesting.

The arrival of the cold front seemed to have much more of an affect on the anglers than on the fishing per se with DIY action dropping off dramatically and many of those guide trips getting cut short but we expect a return to normalcy this week with a warm up underway.

Sow bugs and Zebra Midges are still the staple for your nymph rigs but baetis nymphs like the Little Green Machine, Mosason, Two Hot Baetis, BWO Magic Fly, Olive Psycho May and Olive Crack Back Bullets have definitely been getting some attention.

We should see plenty of dry fly opportunities as well as normal spring conditions resume. Late morning/early afternoon BWO’s and midges throughout the day and into the evening hours. Sprout Baetis, 401 K Baetis, Flash Cripples, Last Chance Cripples, BWO Hatchback, BWO Guide Winna Spinna and Olive Haze are all good baetis options while Grizzly Midge Clusters, Griffiths Gnats, Black Midges and Adams Midge Clusters have been the go-to midge options.

Streamer options are wide open – dealer’s choice, but for my money, if I could only have one streamer it would be the Sculpin Sparkle Minnow…hands down the most productive streamer in my box.

Spring shop hours are 7:30 AM – 4:30 PM daily with most guide trips getting started in the 8:30 – 9 Am window. Don’t miss our Spring Wader Sale with 20% ALL WADERS and WADING BOOTS through Memorial Day.

We hope you make WCA your first stop of the day on your way to the MO for shuttles, bugs and so much more. As of today, it appears as though the Craig Bridge is still closed. Hopefully that work will be completed soon but until that time WCA is, without a doubt, your best shuttle option on the Missouri.

By Jason Orzechowski|2026-04-26T12:43:55-06:00April 26th, 2026|Categories: Fishing Report|Tags: dry fly fishing, midge, Missouri River, Montana, running line, winter, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|Comments Off

Go Time

While we’ve been anxiously awaiting a shot of spring snow and cold to slow things down and keep us in that early-season window, it doesn’t seem like Mother Nature got the memo. Buds are popping, grass is greening, and more days than not we’re seeing sunshine and temps that feel a lot more like mid-May than early April.

What’s also popping? Bugs.

Midges are everywhere, and we’ve been hearing reports of BWO’s showing up in fishable numbers in the canyon over the past week. Dry fly opportunities are on the table most days now, and only getting better. Midges are the Spring Training of the dry fly game—reliable, consistent, and a great way to knock the rust off—but the regular season is just getting underway. Look for BWO’s and midges to carry the load over the next 4–6 weeks, with March Browns and caddis not far behind.

Best Bets for midges…Bucky’s Midge Cluster, Black Midge, Griffith’s Gnat, Hi-Vis Midge, Grizzly Midge Cluster, Adams Midge Cluster. GO To BWO’s – Guide Winna Spinna BWO, Olive Haze, Hi Vis BWO, Pederson’s 401K Baetis, Sprout Baetis, Nyman’s DOA Cripple Baetis, Last Chance Cripple, Flash Cripple, Jake’s Hatchback Baetis…and so many more.

Spawning is still in full swing on the MO, so please be mindful of where you’re wading. Give those fish some space and let them do their thing—the future of this fishery depends on it.

If you’re looking for numbers, nymphing remains the go-to. Double sows are still punching the ticket more often than not. Zebra Midges, Ruby Midges, Little Green Machines, Magic Flies, Caviar Scuds, Pill Poppers, Amex, Pederson’s Sow, Bubble Yums, worms, and soft hackle sows are all getting it done.

The streamer bite has been solid—even under bluebird skies—but as always, low light is your best friend. Sparkle Minnows, Skiddish Smolts, Swim Coaches, MoJo Minnows, Micro Dungeons, Baby Gongas, Polar Leeches, Dirty Hippies, Lil’ Kims…you know the drill. Fish what you believe in. Water temps are still hanging in the low 40’s, so no need to get wild with the strip, but fish are definitely getting more aggressive and will chase on the right days. Mix up your retrieve, build in pauses, and don’t be afraid to fish everything from the depths to the shallows and tailouts—it’s all in play right now.

There’s truly no better time of year to fish streamers on the Missouri, and with some rain, snow, and cloud cover in the forecast for Sunday and Monday, things could get downright epic.

We’re open daily at 8 AM with everything you need for your day on the water—Cheapest DAM shuttles on the MO, the biggest selection of Missouri River bugs ever assembled under one roof in Wolf Creek Montana, and all the latest gear from the best brands in the business. New rods, reels, waders, boots, lines, leaders—you name it—arriving almost daily. ’Tis the season.

Lodging is fully open and guides are standing by. Give us a call or book your trip online—we’ll see you out there.

By Jason Orzechowski|2026-04-09T10:41:38-06:00April 9th, 2026|Categories: Fishing Report, Uncategorized|Tags: caddis, dry fly fishing, fly fishing, green machine, midge, Missouri River, Montana, pill popper, Streamer Fishing, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler, zebra midges|Comments Off

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